what is a back-end developer?
A back-end developer works in tech and IT and facilitates data interchange between the servers, databases, and site users. Your role is to develop the back-end logic and maintain the central database that ensures responsiveness to requests from the front-end side of the website. While the work of a back-end developer is not seen in the front-end, it forms the foundation of a seamless and user-friendly experience. That said, you understand the integration of front-end elements for smooth collaboration between the client side and server side.
what does a back-end developer do?
As a back-end developer, you design and alter the aspects of a website or software application that the user never sees. That means you construct the core features and components of software to aid in the functionality of a website. For instance, when a user places a request on the website (front-end side), your job is to ensure the program delivers the requested information and data. You also maintain essential databases for the website and manage the application program interfaces (APIs). Software and database management requires proficiency in server-side languages like Python, Java, and Ruby.
Most back-end developers work in technology companies creating websites and software for their clients. Once they understand the business requirements, they develop the technical aspects using programming languages.
Would working as a back-end developer suit your interest in technology and curiosity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a back-end developer role.
view jobs near youaverage back-end developer salary
The estimated total pay that a back-end developer takes home in the U.S. is $106,342 annually. On average, a back-end developer earns $92,525 annually. It is important to note that the salary of back-end developers varies, depending on your experience and other factors.
As a back-end developer, your compensation package depends on the company size and project complexity. Small start-ups pay less due to the limited resources and small project sizes, but they allow you to sharpen your skills as you juggle numerous tasks. Large companies have unlimited resources and handle complex projects; hence, the compensation package reflects the additional tasks. Besides, in big organizations, you work alongside multiple developers and specialize in specific aspects of web development. Your educational qualifications and experience also determine your salary prospects.
Wondering what you can earn as a back-end developer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a back-end developer is.
types of back-end developers
There are different types of back-end developers, and they include:
- back-end engineer: As a back-end engineer, you complete the server-side scripting and maintain the servers. This allows front-end developers to access the website's data structure. Your role focuses on the creative and innovative aspects of the project.
- database administrator: This back-end developer is in charge of developing and maintaining databases. Your job is to perform regular back-ups and update permissions to ensure the databases run efficiently and support the website. Most back-end developers responsible for database administration are familiar with data science tools and SQL.
- solutions architect: As a solutions architect, you build software for businesses to scale their online functions. You use your expertise to design solutions and implement them for businesses.
working as a back-end developer
Working as a back-end developer involves building a website from scratch and controlling its functionality. You need exceptional programming skills and attention to detail to ensure the back-end technologies work smoothly.
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back-end developer job description
Most companies have a website that uses IT systems and software. Back-end developers help these systems run. Back-end developers responsibilities include creating, maintaining, testing, and debugging the complete back end of a system or application. A skilled back-end developer is a programmer who knows how to analyze user needs to ensure a quality user experience that reflects a back-end developer’s skills.
Standard duties of a back-end developer include:
- creating data structures: As a back-end developer, you need to master the frameworks necessary for building data structures. A data structure builds the server-side software supporting the front-end website function. It also holds the information users send and the feedback from a website; hence, they need to be strong and easy to maintain so that the website can run smoothly.
- writing code: As a back-end developer, you write the code that supports front-end operations. For instance, when users click on a link or perform a search, they expect a prompt response. When you write clean and bug-free code, you improve the speed and quality of the results users receive on the client-side. You also write code for managing database functionality.
- maintaining a website's integrity: For the user interface to provide a seamless experience, a back-end developer creates the best design for the website functions. This involves troubleshooting problems throughout the programming phase to ensure the user interface has an outcome for every action a web user takes when interacting with the website. Back-end developers use DevOps and other tools to improve the website's integrity.
- database creation and management: As a back-end developer, you create and manage the database. Back-end developers use Structured Query Language (SQL) to build and manage databases. For instance, they can insert or delete records and formulate storage procedures for a database. Part of database management is regularly backing up website information and files or setting up restoration protocols.
- generating analytics and statistics: As a back-end developer, you can use the information in the databases to generate valuable statistics and analytics.
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back-end developer work environment
You likely work in an office surrounded by top-notch technology gadgets. Since you spend most of the day coding and developing websites, most employers create an interactive working space to boost your creativity. Your office has creative spaces for brainstorming ideas with no restrictions on your dress code. When you work remotely, your home office is your work environment.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the project you are working on, your colleagues are front-end developers, programmers, and full-stack developers. Front-end developers help you integrate the back-end with the server-side to improve user experience. You also work in close proximity to systems analysts, IT consultants, and other specialists like software engineers, database administrators, and project managers.
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work schedule
A back-end developer works over 40 hours a week on a full-time schedule. You also work overtime hours and weekends to complete web projects within the stipulated time. Since you are also in charge of maintenance, sometimes you have to work on holidays when there is a glitch in the website servers that need attention. Part-time positions are available for back-end developers, and you can work up to 30 hours a week. Some developers also work as freelancers or on short-term contracts. While the back-end developer role does not involve traveling, sometimes you attend conferences and workshops.
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job outlook for back-end developer
Working as a back-end developer is a rewarding career with a clear progression path. You can progress from a junior back-end developer role to a senior position or a team leader. In the senior role, you have the expertise to supervise an entire development project. A back-end developer also handles other aspects of software development like game development and mobile development. Alternatively, you could become a software engineer or focus on a database administration role. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for back-end developer and related fields should grow 16% by 2032.
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benefits of working for randstad as a back-end developer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a back-end developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
back-end developer skills and education
A bachelor’s degree combined with a master’s degree in computer science or a related field offers one of the ways to become a back-end developer. It takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree and an additional two years to complete a master’s degree. Becoming a back-end developer through this channel comes with several advantages, such as preparing you for more senior roles and providing you with more options to specialize as a back-end developer. You also get the opportunity to cover many different skills and concepts.
Other education types available for you include:
- associate’s degree combined with a bachelor’s degree in computer science
- full-time coding bootcamp
- university/college certificate
- self-study
It takes between 12 weeks and six years to finish your education and become a back-end developer. This time estimate also includes the time for applying and waiting for the program to start.
back-end developer skills and competencies
Regardless of the path you have taken to become a back-end developer, there are a number of skills you must have to succeed in this field. These skills are divided into two: technical and workplace skills. You need technical skills to learn how to develop the back end of a mobile app or web. Examples of technical skills you need to become a successful back-end developer include:
- programming languages
- accessibility and security clearance
- frameworks
- application program interface (API)
- databases and servers
Workplace skills are as important as technical skills because they help you work more effectively, efficiently, and seamlessly with your colleagues. They include the following:
- industry knowledge: You need to have a better understanding of the tech industry.
- analytical thinking and problem-solving skills: As a back-end developer, you need to be creative when developing a mobile app or web.
- communication: You need strong written communication and conversation skills to communicate your ideas to your colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
Having both technical and workplace skills help you do your job and achieve your goals as a back-end developer. Workplace skills should not be overlooked because, as a back-end developer, you will need to occasionally rely on your colleagues for support.
FAQs about working as a back-end developer
Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about back-end developers.
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what three parts of back-end development do I need to know?
As a back-end developer, you need to understand how these three devices of back-end development work. The devices are application programming interfaces (APIs), databases, and servers.
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as a back-end developer, do I need to know and understand data structures?
Yes, this is important to your role as a back-end developer. Data structures have the following benefits:
- solving problems
- providing performance and efficiency
- organizing data
- storing and retrieving data
Data structures also come in handy for security purposes; hence, every back-end developer should understand them clearly.
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what kind of questions are asked in a back-end interview?
Interviewers are likely to ask you the following questions during a back-end interview:
- explain the purpose of the back end
- what do you understand by continuous integration?
- tell us more about yourself
- when do you need to use asynchronous programming?
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which language is faster and, therefore, recommended for the back end?
Javascript is faster; hence, it is recommended that back-end developers use it more often. Its admirable qualities make it highly preferred for back-end programming language. Languages on this list are versatile, lightweight, offer platform independence, and offer high-level performance.
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what is the communication between front-end and back-end like?
The HTTP protocol normally handles the communication between the back-end and the front-end. Front-end starts the communication by sending a request, so a resource can be changed or data can be retrieved. The back-end then returns appropriate results.
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how do I find a job as a back-end developer?
Applying for a back-end developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our data engineer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
